Vision Problems Resulting from Concussion
Post-concussion Symptoms
Post-concussion symptoms include vision problems that cause difficulties with concentration, eyestrain, loss of place while reading, slower processing speed, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms are very similar to symptoms relating to eye coordination disorders (which we often see in patients who have suffered a head injury). We have known for years that concussions cause vision problems, and these are some of the types of vision problems that we specialize in treating to help children get back on track with their academics after a concussion.
Signs of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome
It is vital that parents and educators know the signs and symptoms of vision problems that block learning as a result of a concussion. Just one of these symptoms could mean that your child is struggling with post trauma vision syndrome.
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or nausea
- Light sensitivity
- Attention or concentration difficulties
- Staring behavior (low blink rate)
- Spatial disorientation
- Losing place when reading
- Can’t find beginning of next line when reading
- Comprehension problems when reading
- Visual memory problems
- Pulls away from objects when they are brought close to them
- Exotropia or high exophoria
- Difficulty shifting focus from near to far
- Words move or blur when reading
- Objects appear to move
- Unstable peripheral vision
- Difficulties with balance, coordination and posture
- Perceived movement of stationary objects
- Consistently stays to one side of hallway or room
- Bumps into objects when walking
- Poor walking or posture: leans back on heels, forward, or to one side when walking, standing or seated in a chair
- Perception of the floor being tilted
